Three teams confirmed for IDC semifinals – FBC News
Three teams have now booked their places in the FMF Inter District Championship semifinals. RC Manubhai Ba is the latest team to qualify following their 3-1 over Partlink Automotive/Star Pools/Manasa Export/Equipment Express Nadroga. Ba and Rewa are the confirmed teams from group B and they’ll meet tomorrow to decide who will be the pool winner. Article continues after advertisement Labasa is the lone team from group A that’s qualified, leaving Suva, Nadi and Lautoka battling for the second spot. Nadroga’s Malakai Lavecake silenced the thousands of Ba crowd when his shot inside the box beat goalkeeper Alzaar Alam in the first quarter of the match. With the backing of the home crowd, Ba regrouped and equalized through their captain Penisoni Tirau who calmly beat three defenders to score. Vilitati Kautoga brought the fans to their feet midway in the second spell when he ran to a well placed ball by Etonia Dogalau before firing home the ball passed Nadroga goalkeeper Jione Naitau. It was similar to Kautoga’s goal against Vantex Solutions Navua last night. Kautoga then put the result beyond reach with his second when he combined with Nabil Begg. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
The falling dominoes that could finally deliver a verdict on Man City’s 100+ charges
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Across the Premier League, senior figures are now bracing themselves, amid growing murmurs that the Manchester City decision is expected “this month”. Many everyday employees at the club are understood to have become inured to the prospect, since it’s been hanging over them for so long – far longer than expected. It says much that people in the game have started to refer to the collapse of the Chinese espionage trial, and wonder whether there will be government involvement given the geopolitical dimensions through the club’s Abu Dhabi ownership. And yet for all that “115” – or “129/130”, as it’s become known in football circles – has been seen as an existential moment for modern English football because of the height of its stakes, there is now a belief that its actual impact could be significantly lessened in terms of regulatory effect – if not necessarily sensational headlines. That is due to the parallel associated party transaction (APT) case, which finally ended in a settlement between City and the Premier League. Such a sentiment may come as a surprise given how muted the reaction to that announcement was in early September, particularly in contrast to the cacophony of noise the case had previously created. There was certainly no information war, as had been seen with previous developments in the story, including the initial rules being declared unlawful exactly a year ago. The feeling was that the settlement just represented a lull before “the big one”, or potentially a badly needed entente. The release of identical statements pointed to the latter, amid a sense that many are fatigued by constant battle, and a will to “draw a line under brand-damaging litigation”. The Independent understands that the APT settlement may even represent an end in itself, especially in how it’s seen as safeguarding a crucial part of the financial rules. This is why the impact of the City case may be lessened with regard to regulation. Or, as has been put within the Premier League, “115 looks to the past, APT is about the future”. The APT dispute was ultimately about the fear of other clubs that new rules were required to address the growing challenges of state ownership, and particularly the distinctive nature of “associated parties” in autocracies where the lines are blurred between public and private. In other words, a relatively local company could be instructed to do a deal of international dimensions with a state-owned club. The company wouldn’t have any need for such promotion, and most normal ownerships – even capitalist funds – don’t have such capabilities. Since such money often comes from the same pot, which is sovereign wealth, many football executives believe it should be counted as equity anyway – ie, revenue that would not raise PSR restraints. The fear was that this would be an indirect way for states to drastically increase their spending power. The new APT rules were implemented in order to foster a degree of control over this and properly link revenue to expenditure, to prevent extreme inflation and preserve competitive balance. The latest version of these rules, agreed earlier this year, is now understood to be locked in place. That comes after long and arduous negotiations, albeit amid a sense on all sides that it was probably time for the temperature to come down on much of this. The entire episode did reach some peaks that appeared to illustrate the full range of issues that come with state ownership. City would naturally point to justified grievances, right up to how the initial rules were declared unlawful. Other clubs believe they took the APT case primarily because they wanted “a win” before “115”. They pointed to how City’s claim homed in on shareholder loans, despite having previously had no complaint about that issue at all. open image in gallery There is little appetite for more hostility between the Premier League and clubs (Getty) Either way, the case left open the possibility that the entire concept of APT could be scrapped, while leaving the Premier League open to costly compensation claims over obstructed deals. In other words, chaos and further “lawfare” amid an atmosphere of increasing animosity in English football. The case was already seen as a landmark representing the first time a Premier League club had challenged the competition’s founding premise of a partnership that accepted majority votes for all regulatory decisions. The aggressive attitude of City’s representatives in meetings only accentuated this. It was because of all that the Premier League was ultimately convinced to dig in and not budge on these rules. A core principle of the competition was preserved, chaos avoided. A major strategy point for the Premier League right now, for the competition’s part, is preserving a currently vibrant competitive balance – given this is seen as the key advantage held over every major league. Most of the noise comes from those who argue the rules aren’t fair. The Premier League may now lack that kind of voice in the opposite direction. Duly, the settlement negotiations are understood
‘Australia in disarray’ – Nashra stars as Pakistan make stunning start
Nashra Sandhu takes three quick wickets as Australia crumble to 75-6 against a rampant Pakistan side at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Wigan boss Matt Peet says aim is to ‘inspire and entertain’ ahead of Grand Final
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Winning is not enough for Wigan head coach Matt Peet as he prepares for his side’s quest to become only the third to secure three consecutive Super League Grand Finals when they face Hull KR at Old Trafford on Saturday night. On-field success has always been part of a bigger picture for the 41-year-old, who rose through the club’s junior coaching ranks to assume first-team duties in 2021, and now stands on the cusp of enshrining his name in their illustrious folklore. In an era in which rugby league is being forced to constantly evolve to avoid being squeezed out in today’s combative social media sphere, Peet has always been acutely aware of the sport’s need to achieve recognition that goes beyond the scoreboard. “Whether you were trying to inspire one person on the terraces in the sixties, seventies or eighties, or you’re seeing it globally via social media, I still think the challenge has always there to inspire and entertain,” Peet told the PA news agency. “That’s through playing in a certain manner, acquitting yourselves well and competing hard. Fans have always enjoyed seeing players who leave everything out there, and in matches like this when both teams have star talent, at some point there will be a moment to remember.” Arguably, there has not been a thrilling Grand Final since Wigan’s narrow loss to Leeds in 2015, something Peet attributes to an extent to the persistently drab October weather. How to optimise rugby league’s undoubted ability to produce highlight reel moments is arguably its most pressing issue, and Peet’s comments come at a time when the age-old debate of how to expand what has always been an M62-centric sport to that wider audience continues to rage. No sooner will the dust settle on this year’s Grand Final than RFL chiefs will unveil their latest attempt to optimise the product, when they announce an expansion of the top flight to 14 teams for next season, and reveal which teams – likely including at least two of Toulouse, London and York – have made the cut. Restructuring remains a hotly-contested issue, but for Peet, examples of good, evolving practice in the sport are more obvious in the individual ambition shown by clubs like Rovers, whose shrewd guidance under owner Neil Hudgell has transformed them back into a true force, and others like Leigh and Wakefield. “I think people within the game are working very hard and the game-day experience is certainly getting better across Super League, but a lot of the challenges come back to resources and finances,” Peet added. “I think the end goal should be to get as many clubs to a certain level as possible. I believe that there should be expansion, growth and investment – whether that means jumping to 14 (clubs), or reducing to 10, I’m not sure. I think a long-term aim of two 10s in Super League would be fantastic. “How we get there needs to be carefully mapped out, and must involve deciding what to at the right stages for the right reasons. It’s about expansion, investment and ambition, and I think the likes of Hull KR, along with Wakefield and Leigh, have set a great blueprint out for how to achieve that.”
Champs roar into IDC top four – FBC News
Defending champions Extra Supermarket Labasa are the first team from Group A to seal a place in the FMF Inter District Championship semifinals. This comes after they defeated 4R Electric Lautoka 2-nil in their second group match tonight in Ba. Solomon Islander Jimson Abana opened the scoring for the northerners in the first half, while Lekima Gonerau doubled their lead after the break from the penalty spot. Article continues after advertisement The loss means Lautoka remain on one point from their draw with Power Volt Suva, while AAAK & Esy Kool Air Conditioning Nadi also have one point. Suva have two points from their draws with Lautoka and Nadi. The final round of pool matches tomorrow will decide the second team from the group to join Labasa in the top four. Suva take on Labasa at 2pm tomorrow, while Lautoka face Nadi at 6pm. You can listen to the live commentaries on Radio Fiji Two. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Commonwealth champion Reid announces retirement
Grace Reid announces her retirement from diving at the age of 29, saying “it’s time for a new adventure and a new chapter”.
When can Conor McGregor fight again after receiving UFC anti-doping ban?
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Conor McGregor has been given a timeline on when he can fight again after being slapped with an anti-doping ban. McGregor, a former two-weight champion in the UFC, has “accepted” an 18-month suspension from the promotion after missing three drug tests in 2024 – on 13 June, 19 September, and 20 September of that year. The suspension has been backdated to the date of his final missed test, meaning the Irishman will be barred from competing for the UFC until 20 March 2026. As such, this ban will not prevent the 37-year-old from competing at the planned UFC event at the White House next June, which is looking increasingly likely to mark his return to the Octagon. McGregor has made clear his desire to feature on that fight card, outlining his staggering pay demands and claiming a deal to fight old foe Michael Chandler is done, although UFC president Dana White has stressed that negotiations with fighters have not yet begun. A UFC statement released on Tuesday read: “Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) announced today that Conor McGregor, of Dublin, Ireland, has accepted an 18-month period of ineligibility for a violation of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy (UFC ADP). “McGregor missed three attempted biological sample collections within a 12-month period in 2024, which constitutes a violation of the UFC ADP. UFC athletes are required to provide accurate whereabouts information at all times, so they can be contacted and submit to biological sample collections without prior warning. “McGregor’s missed tests occurred on June 13, September 19, and September 20, 2024, and were each classified as Whereabouts Failures by CSAD under the UFC ADP. open image in gallery Conor McGregor (left) suffered a broken leg in his last fight, a July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier (Getty Images) “Although McGregor failed to make himself available for testing on those dates, CSAD noted that he was recovering from an injury and was not preparing for an upcoming fight at the time of the three missed tests. McGregor fully cooperated with CSAD’s investigation, accepted responsibility, and provided detailed information that CSAD determined contributed to the missed tests. “Despite these mitigating factors, CSAD emphasizes that accurate whereabouts filings and the ability to conduct unannounced testing are essential to the success of the UFC ADP. Taking McGregor’s cooperation and circumstances into account, CSAD reduced the standard 24-month sanction for three whereabouts failures by six months. “His period of ineligibility began on September 20, 2024 (the date of his third whereabouts failure) and will conclude on March 20, 2026.” McGregor has not fought since July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in his second straight loss to old rival Dustin Poirier. open image in gallery Conor McGregor pictured at a charity day in New York on 11 September (Getty) The Irishman was due to return to the Octagon in June 2024 but sustained a broken toe, withdrawing from a planned fight with Chandler on two weeks’ notice. More recently, McGregor has involved himself in politics, but this month he ceased his pursuit of becoming president of Ireland. He said the nation’s eligibility criteria was a “straitjacket”. McGregor has also battled numerous legal issues in recent years and, in November, a civil jury found in favour of a woman who had accused him of rape in 2018. McGregor was found liable for assault, and his appeal against the verdict failed in July, but he continues to deny all allegations against him.
Still chance for Nadi and Suva – FBC News
Group A of the FMF Inter District Championship remains wide open after AAAK & Esy Kool Air Conditioning Nadi drew 1-all with Power Volt Suva at Govind Park in Ba. Nadi, who lost 2-nil to Extra Supermarket Labasa yesterday, kept their hopes alive with the draw, though their chances are slim according to coach Shalen Lal. Labasa leads the group with three points, Suva has two, while Nadi and Lautoka have a point each – meaning all teams are still in contention. Article continues after advertisement Mohammed Solayman put Nadi ahead in the first half and was impressive throughout, showcasing his speed, crafty footwork and skill. He made several dangerous runs into the Suva box, keeping defenders Remueru Tekiate, Geary Kubu and Malakai Rakula busy. Suva, who started the match without Akuila Mataisuva and Dave Radrigai, returned from the break with renewed energy and purpose. The capital side piled on early second-half pressure and within two minutes, Merrill Nand’s header leveled the score at 1-all. Suva will face Extra Supermarket Labasa at 2pm in their final Group A match, while Nadi takes on 4R Electric Ba at 6pm. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Kaizer Chiefs fans call for coach who slapped his own player
Kaizer Chiefs fans never disappoint in the comments sections. They’re calling for the appointment of Takesure Chiragwi. Zimbabwean assistant coach Chirawgi slapped his own player during a match between Ngezi Platinum and Dynamos. He has stepped down from international duty. WATCH: Zimbabwe coach SLAPS player, steps down from Bafana Bafana match Kaizer Chiefs fans like what they see from Chiragwi Chiefs fans are never far from these incidents, as proved by numerous replies to the tweet below: Speaking after the game, Chiragwi blamed his actions on pressure. “Football is a game of emotions. There was chaos everywhere. Everyone was there, but unfortunately, I don’t know what exactly happened next,” he was quoted by Soccer24 as per FARPost. “Football is like that; even top managers in the world can do something like that in those moments.“But there’s nothing to justify that incident. We wanted to play the game and make sure we get what we wanted, and try to control the players because even the substitutes were also frustrated.” Orlando Pirates stars feature heavily for Bafana in World Cup qualifiers Eight Orlando Pirates players have made the cut for Hugo Broos’ latest squad. They are Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi and Relebohile Mofokeng. TS Galaxy defender Khulumani Ndamane, Polokwane defender Thabang Matuludi and Norway-based Samukele Kabini are some refreshingly new names. When are Bafana’s qualifiers? South Africa meets Zimbabwe on Friday, 10 October and then Rwanda on Monday, the 13th.
Jordan Henderson makes Liverpool and Saudi Arabia admissions
Jordan Henderson makes Liverpool and Saudi Arabia admissions